TEACHING ENGLISH GRAMMAR AND GRAMMAR TOPIC EXPLORATION

Abstract

This paper explores the teaching and learning of English grammar with a focus on comparative and superlative adjectives among eighth-grade students in a Russian-medium school in Uzbekistan. The target learners, aged 13–14 and at an English proficiency level of IELTS 3.0–4.0, are developing their understanding of grammar through both explicit and inductive approaches. The study draws on A Glossary of English Grammar by Geoffrey Leech (2006) and Schaum’s Outline of English Grammar by Eugene Ehrlich and Daniel Murphy (1991) to compare how each text presents the topic. While Leech provides a detailed linguistic explanation of the grammatical structures and comparative clauses, Ehrlich and Murphy offer step-by-step rules and practical exercises that are more accessible for classroom use. Based on this analysis, the lesson design combines form-focused and meaning-focused instruction (FFI and MFI) to help students learn both the structure and communicative use of comparatives and superlatives. A communicative activity titled “Who’s the Best?” was developed to encourage students to apply grammar in real contexts, comparing people, places, and objects through guided practice. This activity promotes active participation, reinforces grammatical accuracy, and supports both visual and interactive learners. The approach demonstrates that grammar teaching can be both structured and communicative, providing learners with meaningful opportunities to use English for comparison in authentic ways.

Keywords

English grammar teaching, comparatives and superlatives, communicative grammar, inductive learning, explicit instruction, Uzbekistan, secondary education, grammar materials, Schaum’s Outline, Geoffrey Leech

References

Ehrlich, E. H., & Murphy, D. J. (1991). Schaum’s outline of English grammar. McGraw-Hill Professional. (Chapter 5, p. 99).

Leech, G. N. (2006). A glossary of English grammar. Edinburgh University Press.

Ehrlich, E. H., & Murphy, D. J. (1991). Schaum’s outline of English grammar. McGraw-Hill Professional.

Leech, G. (2006). “A Glossary of English Grammar”. Cambridge University Press, pp.20-21.

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